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Relocating

Congratulations! You’ve made the exciting decision to move to Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and a great place to live, work and play. As you prepare for relocation, the stress of planning and the daunting task of making the move might become overwhelming. This section of the Las Vegas Relocation Guide is designed to make your move a relatively effortless and enjoyable undertaking.

Below you’ll find information about everything needed for relocation, from selecting a moving company and packing your belongings, to transferring your medical records and hooking up utilities at your new home.

Moving

A number of options are available when it comes to planning the big move. You can do it yourself by renting a moving truck and packing and loading your own belongings, or you can hire a moving company to do the work for you. It’s important to consider how far you’re moving, how much you’re bringing with you, and the time and costs associated with each option.

Hiring a Moving Company

If you plan to interview moving companies, ask questions, request references and get everything in writing.

Information to have on-hand when interviewing moving companies:

  1. Departure and destination cities.
  2. Exact moving date (you’ll want to let the company know both when you need to have your current home packed and when you’ll need your belongings to arrive in Las Vegas). Make sure you’ll be present to meet the moving company at your new home to avoid incurring additional fees for storage.
  3. Will you need temporary storage? If you’re moving into temporary housing when you first arrive, you may not have room for all of your possessions and may opt to place some things in storage. Some moving companies can arrange this for you. Others will require that you make arrangements on your own.
  4. Are you planning to pack your own belongings? If so, you may inquire about the price and availability of packing materials.
  5. If you’re planning to have the moving company pack for you, ask about insurance and take a careful room-by-room inventory of your possessions. You may consider taking date-stamped photographs of items that are of high monetary or sentimental value, such as antiques, easily breakable items and family heirlooms. If the moving company takes its own inventory, read through it carefully before signing off.

Every moving company has different pricing, policies and procedures. Make sure you get a written estimate before signing a contract.

Binding And Nonbinding Estimates

A binding estimate details, in writing, any and all services the moving company is agreeing to provide for you. This type of estimate ensures you will only be billed for the prestated amount. A nonbinding estimate is simply an approximation of your total moving costs and will vary based on the total packed weight of your belonging, movers’ ease-of-access to your property and your packing needs.

Make sure you interview at least three companies and get everything in writing before you sign an agreement or make a deposit. Many companies allow you to estimate your moving costs online by completing inventory lists and selecting “add on” services.

Do-it-yourself

If you’re planning to move yourself, start by calling moving companies, getting price estimates and asking about the services the company offers. Make sure you know what you need before you start contacting movers. Make a list that includes information related to the following:

  1. When do you need a moving vehicle?
  2. How much do you have to move? (Most companies estimate truck sizes based on the number of bedrooms you are moving.)
  3. How long do you anticipate having the rental moving vehicle? Factor in loading, travel and unloading time.
  4. What type of materials will you need? Many moving rental companies can provide you with moving boxes and packing materials as well as equipment for loading heavy items.
  5. Will you need any special insurance?
  6. Who will be driving your moving vehicle(s)? If someone other than you (like a friend or family member) is helping you drive a moving truck, that person must be named on your rental agreement, and carry insurance coverage.

Timing a move is of crucial importance. Many moving companies will require a “window” of time availability for completing your move, and, oftentimes, DYI moving companies require several weeks notice for reserving a truck.

Temporary Storage

You may want to store some or all of your belongings when you first arrive in Las Vegas. Consider these tips:

  • If you’re only storing some of your possessions, make sure you differentiate between boxes that stay with you and boxes/items to be stored. Label storage boxes and, where possible, keep storage items together on the moving truck to ensure everything gets to the right place in an expedient manner.
  • Most storage facilities require that you provide your own lock, so invest in a sturdy device and make note of where you put the key.

In selecting a storage company, consider the following:

  • Proximity to your new home.
  • Rental price and terms. Some storage companies enforce minimum time limits in the rental agreement while others give you month-to-month options.
  • Amenities. Storage companies vary greatly. Do you want climate control? Drive-up access? Internal lighting? Ask what each company offers and learn about policies for damage/theft liability and availability for the dates you need.

Temporary Housing

Many new residents need temporary housing upon arrival in Las Vegas. Maybe you haven’t decided what part of the valley you’d like to live in, or perhaps you’re waiting for a new home to be built. In any case, you have many options.

Renting
Even if you’re looking to rent, rather than buy, as your real estate agent we can help you find the perfect starter home.

All-Inclusive Short-Term Housing

Many newcomers opt to use “all inclusive” short-term rental properties that provide everything from furniture to dishes and linens to utilities and phone service. While these properties typically charge a higher rate, they can often be more flexible than individual landlords. With this approach, you’re free to place the majority of your belongings in storage and keep only personal possessions with you at your rental.

Hotel/Motels

If you need housing for a relatively short period of time, a stay in one of our local hotels or motels might fit the bill. Depending on your budget, you can check in to an extended-stay neighborhood property or take a mini-vacation and enjoy the star-studded amenities of any one of the city’s resort hotel/casinos. Some properties offer special weekly rates for guests who are in need of short-term housing. Ask about fees, availability for the dates you anticipate needing and short-term storage options.

Forwarding Mail

Just as you want your possessions to arrive safely in Las Vegas, you’ll want to make sure your mail follows you as well.

Mail forwarding is a very important step in the moving process. To begin, go to your local post office for a “change of address” kit a few weeks prior to your move. In addition to forwarding mail, the kit will help you notify all interested parties of your new address, from credit card companies and magazines to family, friends and colleagues.

Once you’ve forwarded your mail, keep close track of things such as credit billing statements and other personal information that could put you at risk for identity theft. Pay attention to what arrives at your new address. If you’re missing a credit card statement, make contact with the issuing company right away. It’s also a good idea to monitor your credit report during your relocation to ensure no one has confiscated your personal data at any point during your move.

P.O. Boxes
If you’re not quite sure what your immediate housing situation will be upon arrival in Las Vegas, consider renting a post office box. You can do this at a post office branch or at one of the many mail centers located throughout the valley. This approach ensures your mail will follow you to Las Vegas and not get lost in the shuffle as you make permanent housing arrangements.